Is Mind Uploading the Key to Eternal Life?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of mind uploading and its potential implications for achieving eternal life. Participants explore the feasibility of transferring human consciousness to a digital medium, considering both theoretical and speculative aspects of the technology involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that mind uploading could become feasible within the 21st century, with advancements in computing power projected for 2025.
  • There are at least two proposed methods for mind uploading: living in a simulated world or creating an artificial body, though the latter is considered more complex.
  • Concerns are raised about the nature of identity in the context of mind uploading, questioning whether the transfer would result in a continuation of the original self or merely a clone.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the near-term viability of mind uploading, suggesting that current discussions may be more aligned with science fiction than reality.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for reputable sources rather than Wikipedia to support claims about the scientific basis of mind uploading.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of optimism and skepticism regarding the feasibility of mind uploading. There is no consensus on the timeline or the implications for personal identity, with some viewing it as a potential reality and others as speculative fiction.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of distinguishing between theoretical discussions and established scientific understanding, noting that current methods of mind transfer may involve significant ethical and technical challenges.

pwnstylez
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Hi,

I've been thinking about this topic for a long time and found a lot of info on the web about it leading me to believe its bound to happen soon.

More Info : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_uploading

Apparently it's entirely realistic, but I can't find an actual ETA, for example, the creation of a computer capable of the processing power similar or greater than our own brain is projected for 2025. The whole process is projected to be entirely possible within the 21st century so 2100 is the latest (hopefully).

The general idea is that there are at least 2 ways this can happen, us living in computers in a simulated world or creating an artificial body that we can control (way more complicated obviously and further down the line).

In other words eternal life is a definite possibility, and with the whole concept of DNA based computing, as in using DNA (purpose built to store information) instead of silicone based chips could mean that we can pretty much recreate our brains and have multiple copies everywhere.

What do u guys think, ETA in your opinion ?
Would u do it ?*

*Current methods of transferring the mind revolve around destroying the brain in the process ( serial sectioning, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_uploading#Copying_vs._moving ) though by the time this whole thing is operational we might not have to resort to this method anyway, but who knows.

Im just learning about this topic and am very interested any other info u guys can point me towards or share would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Well, computing processing aside, I think the biggest hurdle is with regards to how "complete" the transfer is with respect to identity.
That is, is it "you" where you can actually exist, or just a clone of you (which your personal identity can not exist?)
 
pallidin said:
Well, computing processing aside, I think the biggest hurdle is with regards to how "complete" the transfer is with respect to identity.
That is, is it "you" where you can actually exist, or just a clone of you (which your personal identity can not exist?)

what do you mean ? if it's your brain doesn't it mean that its you ? what is this personal identity stuff you bring up, i actually don't understand :(, would you care to elaborate ?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
pwnstylez said:
Hi,

I've been thinking about this topic for a long time and found a lot of info on the web about it leading me to believe its bound to happen soon.

More Info : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_uploading

Apparently it's entirely realistic, but I can't find an actual ETA, for example, the creation of a computer capable of the processing power similar or greater than our own brain is projected for 2025. The whole process is projected to be entirely possible within the 21st century so 2100 is the latest (hopefully).

The general idea is that there are at least 2 ways this can happen, us living in computers in a simulated world or creating an artificial body that we can control (way more complicated obviously and further down the line).

In other words eternal life is a definite possibility, and with the whole concept of DNA based computing, as in using DNA (purpose built to store information) instead of silicone based chips could mean that we can pretty much recreate our brains and have multiple copies everywhere.

What do u guys think, ETA in your opinion ?
Would u do it ?*

*Current methods of transferring the mind revolve around destroying the brain in the process ( serial sectioning, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_uploading#Copying_vs._moving ) though by the time this whole thing is operational we might not have to resort to this method anyway, but who knows.

Im just learning about this topic and am very interested any other info u guys can point me towards or share would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to the PF. Wikipedia is not recognized as an authoritative source for scientific information here. You will need to post some links to reputable, mainstream, refereed journal articles discussing this subject, if you want this thread to remain open. We do not discuss science fiction here in the technical PF forums.
 
I don't see this concept being "on the horizon", but if you want a fanciful examination of the potential consequences I recommend Richard K. Morgan's 'Altered Carbon' trilogy. That's as close as anyone alive today is going to get to uploading themselves to a computer.
 
Sorry, science fiction thread closed pending pwnstylez's PM response to me.
 

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